Lockout mechanisms for surgical devices

ABSTRACT

Various surgical devices are provided having mechanisms for preventing premature actuation of a cutting mechanism. These devices generally include a handle having one or more actuators and an effector disposed at a distal end of the device and configured to grasp tissue. When the end effector is in an open position, a firing actuator can be positioned so that it cannot be actuated by a user. For example, the firing actuator can be obstructed by a shield or arm when the end effector is in the open position. In other embodiments, the firing actuator can be hidden in a recess formed in the closure actuator until the end effector is moved to the closed position. When the end effector is in the closed position, the firing actuator can be engaged to advance a cutting mechanism, thereby cutting the tissue grasped by the end effector.

FIELD

The present invention relates to surgical devices that are configured toprevent premature actuation of a cutting mechanism, and methods of usingthe same.

BACKGROUND

Various surgical devices utilize a multi-step process to grasp and cuttissue, such as staplers, surgical shears, and RF tissue sealers. Ingeneral, these devices have first and second jaws configured to grasptissue therebetween, and a cutting mechanism configured to sever thetissue that is positioned between the jaws. Certain devices can alsoinclude one or more clips or staples for fastening the tissue, and/orelectrodes for delivering energy to the tissue. Such devices can have asingle actuator for performing a number of functions, but more commonlyhave a number of independently operable actuators, including a closureactuator for moving the jaws between open and closed positions, and afiring actuator for advancing the cutting mechanism along the jaws tosever the grasped tissue and optionally firing staples and/or deliveringRF energy to the tissue.

Where independent actuators are provided, a user will often engage thefirst actuator to close the jaws and grasp tissue prior to engaging thesecond actuator to advance the cutting mechanism and/or perform otherfunctions. However, the steps are not always performed in the intendedorder. During a surgical procedure, it can be difficult for the surgeonto distinguish between the first, closure actuator and the second,cutting actuator. When a surgeon engages the second actuator prior totissue being positioned between the jaws, this can cause injury in anunintended area of tissue and/or jam the cutting mechanism of thedevice.

Accordingly, there is a need for a device that is configured to preventa user from prematurely actuating a cutting mechanism, and methods ofusing the same.

SUMMARY

Surgical devices having various actuation systems are provided herein.In one embodiment, a surgical device is provided and includes an endeffector having first and second jaws configured to move relative to oneanother between an open position in which the jaws are spaced a distanceapart from one another and a closed position in which the jaws areconfigured to grasp tissue therebetween. The device also includes ahandle portion having a first actuator and a second actuator. The firstactuator is operatively associated with the first and second jaws andmovable between a first position and a second position. Movement of theactuator from the first position to the second position is effective tomove the jaws from the open position to the closed position. The secondactuator is configured to advance a cutting element distally along thefirst and second jaws to cut tissue grasped therebetween, the secondactuator having an opening configured to receive a user's finger. Atleast one blocking member can be configured to move relative to thesecond actuator depending on the position of the first actuator. Thedevice can be configured such that, when the first actuator is in thefirst position and the jaws are in the open position, the at least oneblocking member obstructs the opening of the second actuator so that thesecond actuator cannot be manually actuated by a user.

The device can have a variety of configurations. In one embodiment, theat least one blocking member includes first and second blocking members,the first blocking member configured to be positioned on a first side ofthe second actuator and the second blocking member configured to bepositioned on a second side of the second actuator. In certain aspects,the at least one blocking member can include a blocking shieldconfigured to substantially cover the opening of the second actuator. Inother aspects, the at least one blocking member can include a blockingarm configured to partially cover the opening of the second actuator. Instill other aspects, the opening of the second actuator can beconfigured to be exposed, in response to movement of the first actuatorfrom the first position to the second position, such that the secondactuator can be actuated to advance the cutting element. The device canalso perform various other functions, such as firing staples and/ordelivering energy to tissue engaged between the first and second jaws asthe cutting element is advanced distally along the first and secondjaws.

In another embodiment, a surgical device is provided for grasping andcutting tissue. The device includes an end effector having first andsecond jaws configured to move relative to one another between an openposition in which the jaws are spaced apart and a closed position inwhich the jaws are configured to engage tissue therebetween, and ahandle assembly coupled to the end effector. The handle assembly caninclude a closure actuator configured to move the jaws between the openand closed positions, a firing actuator configured to advance a cuttingmember distally along the jaws to cut tissue engaged between the firstand second jaws, and a blocking member configured to extend across afinger recess in the firing actuator when the jaws are in the openposition to thereby prevent access by a user to the firing actuator. Theblocking member can be configured to move away from the finger recesswhen the jaws are moved to the closed position.

The device can have a variety of configurations. For example, theclosure actuator can form a first handle member of the handle assembly,and the firing actuator can be mounted on a second handle member of thehandle assembly, with the first and second handle members beingpivotally coupled to one another. In one embodiment, the blocking membercan be pivotally mounted on the second handle member. In anotherembodiment, the blocking member can be linearly slidably mounted on thesecond handle member.

In another embodiment, the device can include a linkage member coupledbetween the blocking member and the first actuator. In one embodiment,the linkage member can be configured to exert a distally directed forceon the blocking member when the closure actuator is actuated to move thejaws from the open position to the closed position. In anotherembodiment, the linkage member can be configured to move the blockingmember away from the finger recess when the jaws are moved to the closedposition.

Methods for actuating a surgical device are also provided and in oneembodiment, the method includes moving a closure actuator on a surgicaldevice from a first position to a second position to cause first andsecond jaws of the surgical device to move from an open configuration inwhich the jaws are spaced apart to a closed configuration in which thejaws grasp tissue therebetween. Moving the closure actuator from thefirst position to the second position can move a blocking member from afirst position, in which the blocking member extends across a fingerrecess of the firing actuator such that the blocking member isinaccessible to a user, to a second position, in which the blockingmember is moved away from the finger recess such that the finger recessis accessible to a user. With the jaws in the closed position, thefiring actuator on the surgical device can be moved to advance a cuttingassembly along the first and second jaws to thereby cut the tissuegrasped therebetween, the firing actuator being inaccessible to a userwhen the closure actuator is in the first position. The blocking membercan move in various ways. For example, in one embodiment, the blockingmember pivots from the first position to the second position. In anotherembodiment, the blocking member slides longitudinally from the firstposition to the second position. The method can also include applying RFenergy to tissue grasped between the first and second jaws, and/ordelivering one or more staples to the tissue.

A surgical device is also provided herein that includes an end effectorhaving first and second jaws configured to move relative to one anotherbetween an open position in which the jaws are spaced a distance apartfrom one another and a closed position in which the jaws are configuredto grasp tissue therebetween. The handle portion can include a firstactuator operatively associated with the first and second jaws andmovable between a first position and a second position, movement of theactuator from the first position to the second position being effectiveto move the jaws from the open position to the closed position, and asecond actuator configured to advance a cutting element distally alongthe first and second jaws to cut tissue grasped therebetween. The secondactuator can be coupled to a torsion spring that biases the secondactuator to a first inaccessible position in which the second actuatorcannot be manually actuated by a user. When the first actuator is in thefirst position and the jaws are in the open position, the secondactuator is in the first inaccessible position, and movement of thefirst actuator from the first position to the second position iseffective to overcome the biasing force and move the second actuator toa second accessible position in which the second actuator can bemanually actuated by a user.

A method for actuating a surgical device is also provided and includesmoving a closure actuator on a surgical device from a first position toa second position to cause first and second jaws of the surgical deviceto move from an open configuration in which the jaws are spaced apart toa closed configuration in which the jaws grasp tissue therebetween. Withthe jaws in the closed position, moving a firing actuator on thesurgical device can advance a cutting assembly along the first andsecond jaws to thereby cut the tissue grasped therebetween. When theclosure actuator is in the first position, the firing actuator ispivoted away from an opening formed in a handle on the surgical deviceso that it is inaccessible to a user, and moving the closure actuator tothe second position is effective to move the firing actuator into theopening formed in the handle to thereby allow a user to access thefiring actuator.

Another embodiment of a surgical device is provided and includes an endeffector having first and second jaws configured to move relative to oneanother between an open position in which the jaws are spaced a distanceapart from one another and a closed position in which the jaws areconfigured to grasp tissue therebetween. The device can include a handleportion having a first actuator operativelly associated with the firstand second jaws and movable between a first position and a secondposition, movement of the actuator from the first position to the secondposition being effective to move the jaws from the open position to theclosed position, and a second actuator configured to advance a cuttingelement distally along the first and second jaws to cut tissue graspedtherebetween. When the first actuator is in the first position and thejaws are in the open position, the second actuator is partially disposedin a recess formed in the first actuator, and when the first actuatormoves from the first position to the second position, a mating featureon the first actuator is configured to engage the second actuator tomove the second actuator to a second accessible position.

Yet another embodiment of a surgical device is provided and can includean end effector having first and second jaws configured to move relativeto one another between an open position in which the jaws are spaced adistance apart from one another and a closed position in which the jawsare configured to grasp tissue therebetween. The device can include ahandle portion having a first actuator operatively associated with thefirst and second jaws and movable between a first position and a secondposition, movement of the actuator from the first position to the secondposition being effective to move the jaws from the open position to theclosed position. A second actuator can be configured to advance acutting element distally along the first and second jaws to cut tissuegrasped therebetween. When the first actuator is in the first positionand the jaws are in the open position, the second actuator is recessedwithin the first actuator in a first inaccessible position so that thesecond actuator cannot be manually actuated by a user.

A method for actuating a surgical device is also provided and includesmoving a closure actuator on a surgical device from a first position toa second position to cause first and second jaws of the surgical deviceto move from an open configuration in which the jaws are spaced apart toa closed configuration in which the jaws grasp tissue therebetween. Withthe jaws in the closed position, moving a firing actuator on thesurgical device can advance a cutting assembly along the first andsecond jaws to thereby cut the tissue grasped therebetween. The firingactuator is disposed within the closure actuator in a first inaccessibleposition when the closure actuator is in the first position, and movingthe closure actuator to the second position is effective to expose thefiring actuator.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

This invention will be more fully understood from the following detaileddescription taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, inwhich:

FIG. 1A is a side view of a surgical device that includes an endeffector, a shaft, and a handle;

FIG. 1B is a perspective view of an I-beam for closing the jaws of thedevice of FIG. 1A and having a cutting member formed thereon;

FIG. 2A is a perspective view of an embodiment of a handle assembly foruse with the device of FIG. 1A, showing a first actuator in aninaccessible position;

FIG. 2B is a side, semi-transparent view of the actuators of FIG. 2A;

FIG. 2C is a side view of the actuators of FIG. 2A illustrating howmovement of the first actuator exposes the second actuator such that thesecond actuator is in an accessible position;

FIG. 3A is a side view of another embodiment of a surgical device havingfirst and second actuators with a blocking arm extending across thesecond actuator when the jaws are in an open position;

FIG. 3B is a side view of the device of FIG. 3A with the blocking armmoved away from the second actuator such that the second actuator is inan accessible position when the jaws are in a closed position.

FIG. 4A is a side view of another embodiment of a surgical device havingfirst and second actuators, showing the second actuator in aninaccessible position when the jaws are in an open position;

FIG. 4B is a side view of the device of FIG. 4A showing the secondactuator in an accessible position when the jaws are in a closedposition;

FIG. 5 is a side view of another embodiment of a surgical device havingfirst and second actuators, showing the second actuator in aninaccessible position when the jaws are in an open position;

FIG. 6A is a side, semi-transparent view of yet another embodiment of asurgical device having first and second actuators, showing the secondactuator in an inaccessible position when the jaws are in an openposition;

FIG. 6B is a side, semi-transparent view of the device of FIG. 6A,showing the second actuator in an accessible position when the jaws arein a closed position; and

FIG. 7 is side, semi-transparent view of another embodiment of asurgical device having first and second actuators, showing the secondactuator movable between an inaccessible position when the jaws are inan open position and an accessible position (shown in phantom) when thejaws are in a closed position.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Certain exemplary embodiments will now be described to provide anoverall understanding of the principles of the structure, function,manufacture, and use of the devices and methods disclosed herein. One ormore examples of these embodiments are illustrated in the accompanyingdrawings. Those skilled in the art will understand that the devices andmethods specifically described herein and illustrated in theaccompanying drawings are non-limiting exemplary embodiments and thatthe scope of the present invention is defined solely by the claims. Thefeatures illustrated or described in connection with one exemplaryembodiment may be combined with the features of other embodiments. Suchmodifications and variations are intended to be included within thescope of the present invention.

Further, in the present disclosure, like-numbered components of theembodiments generally have similar features, and thus within aparticular embodiment each feature of each like-numbered component isnot necessarily fully elaborated upon. Additionally, to the extent thatlinear or circular dimensions are used in the description of thedisclosed systems, devices, and methods, such dimensions are notintended to limit the types of shapes that can be used in conjunctionwith such systems, devices, and methods. A person skilled in the artwill recognize that an equivalent to such linear and circular dimensionscan easily be determined for any geometric shape. Sizes and shapes ofthe systems and devices, and the components thereof, can depend at leaston the anatomy of the subject in which the systems and devices will beused, the size and shape of components with which the systems anddevices will be used, and the methods and procedures in which thesystems and devices will be used.

Various surgical devices are provided having lockout mechanisms forpreventing premature actuation of a cutting mechanism. These surgicaldevices generally include a handle and an effector disposed at a distalend of device and configured to grasp tissue. In certain aspects, theend effector can include first and second jaws that can move from anopen position to a closed position in which the jaws grasp tissuetherebetween. Such devices can further include a firing actuatorconfigured to advance and retract a cutting mechanism for severingtissue grasped by the end effector. When the jaws of the end effectorare in an open position, the firing actuator can be inaccessible to auser to prevent the user from prematurely engaging the firing actuator,i.e. engaging the firing actuator before tissue is grasped by the endeffector. When the jaws of the end effector are in the closed positionwith tissue grasped therebetween, the firing actuator can be accessibleto a user to allow actuation of the cutting mechanism to thereby cut,seal, and or apply energy to the tissue grasped by the end effector.

FIG. 1A illustrates one embodiment of a surgical device configured tograsp and cut tissue. The illustrated surgical device 100 generallyincludes a proximal handle portion 10, a shaft portion 12, and an endeffector 14 for grasping tissue. The illustrated proximal handle portion10 has a pistol-style configuration with actuators located forengagement by a user's fingers. In particular, the proximal handleportion 10 includes a stationary grip 20 and a closure grip 22 pivotallymounted thereto. The closure grip 22 is movable toward and away from thestationary grip 20 to adjust a position of the end effector 14. Theshaft portion 12 extends distally from the proximal handle portion andcan have a lumen (not shown) extending therethrough for carryingmechanisms for actuating the end effector 14. A person skilled in theart will appreciate that while FIG. 1A illustrates a surgical devicehaving a pistol-style handle, the handle can have a variety of otherconfigurations including a scissor-style handle, in which one or bothactuators are pivotally movable toward and away from one another, or anyother style of handle known in the art.

The end effector can have a variety of sizes, shapes, andconfigurations. As shown in FIG. 1A, the end effector 14 can includefirst and second jaws 16 a, 16 b disposed at a distal end 12 d of theshaft portion 12. The end effector 14 can include a first, upper jaw 16a and second, lower jaw 16 b which can be configured to close orapproximate about an axis. Both of the jaws 16 a, 16 b can be moveablerelative to the shaft portion 12 or alternatively a single jaw can pivotso that the end effector 14 can move between a first, open position inwhich the jaws 16 a, 16 b are positioned a distance apart to a second,closed position in which the jaws 16 a, 16 b are moved toward oneanother and are substantially opposed. When the jaws 16 a, 16 b are inthe second, closed position (not shown), a longitudinal axis of thefirst jaw 16 a can be substantially parallel to a longitudinal axis ofthe second jaw 16 b and the jaws 16 a, 16 b can be in direct contact. Inthe illustrated embodiment, the first jaw 16 a can pivot relative to theshaft portion 12 and to the second jaw 16 b while the second jaw 16 bremains stationary. The jaws 16 a, 16 b can have a substantiallyelongate and straight shape, as shown in FIG. 1A, but a person skilledin the art will appreciate that one or both of the jaws 16 a, 16 b canbe curved about a longitudinal axis thereof. The jaws 16 a, 16 b canhave any suitable axial length for engaging tissue, where the axiallength is measured along a longitudinal axis L₁ of the shaft portion.The axial length A of the jaws 16 a, 16 b can also be selected based onthe targeted anatomical structure for cutting and/or sealing.

The jaws 16 a, 16 b can have any combination of features configured tofacilitate grasping tissue therebetween. The first jaw 16 a can have afirst inner engagement surface and the second jaw 16 b can have a secondinner engagement surface, both of the first and second engagementsurfaces 18 a, 18 b being configured to directly contact tissue. Eitherone or both of the engagement surfaces can include one or more surfacefeatures (not shown) formed thereon that can help secure the tissuethereon. For example, the surface features can include various surfacefeatures, such as teeth, ridges, or depressions, configured to increasefriction between the tissue and the engagement surfaces of the jaws 16a, 16 b without tearing or otherwise damaging the tissue in contact withsuch surface features. The first and second jaws 16 a, 16 b canoptionally include features for interacting with a compression memberconfigured to move within the jaws 16 a, 16 b and to apply a compressiveforce on tissue.

The surgical device 100 can optionally include a compression memberhaving various sizes, shapes, and configurations. In general, thecompression member can have an elongate shape and can be moveableproximally and distally along the longitudinal axis L₁ of the shaftportion and the end effector. An exemplary compression member 28 isillustrated in FIG. 1B. As shown, the compression member 28 can have aproximal end 28 p, a medial portion 28 m, and a distal end 28 d. Theproximal end 28 p and the medial portion 28 m of the compression member28 can be sized and shaped to reciprocate within the shaft portion 12 ofthe device 100, while the distal end 28 d of the compression member 28can be sized and shaped to interact with the jaws 16 a, 16 b of the endeffector 14. A longitudinal axis L_(C) of the compression member 28 canbe aligned and coaxial with longitudinal axis of the shaft portion 12,though other configurations are possible. The compression member 28 canbe actuatable from the proximal handle portion of the instrument by anysuitable mechanism that is operatively coupled to the proximal end 28 pof the compression member 28, such as via the firing actuator 24 shownin FIG. 1A. The compression member 28 can include a connecting portion30 c and upper and lower flanges 30 a, 30 b thus providing an “I-beam”type cross-sectional shape at the distal end 28 d of the compressionmember 28. In the illustrated embodiment, the upper and lower flanges 30a, 30 b are positioned substantially perpendicular to the connectingportion 30 c to form the “I-beam” shape. As previously mentioned, theupper and lower flanges 30 a, 30 h are sized and shaped to slide in therecessed slots in each of the first and second jaws 16 a, 16 b, and thissliding contact of lateral edges of the flanges 30 a, 30 b and sides ofeach of the recessed slot portions prevents lateral flexing of the jaws16 a, 16 b. The compression member 28 can have various otherconfigurations. For example, the upper flange 30 a can have a width thatis greater than a width of the lower flange 30 b, the widths beingmeasured in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal axis L₁ of theshaft portion 12.

The device 100 can include a cutting member (not shown) configured totransect tissue captured between the jaws, and the cutting member canvary in any number of ways. The cutting member can be sized and shapedto transect or cut various thicknesses and types of tissue positionedbetween the jaws of the end effector. In an exemplary embodiment, thecutting member is positioned at the distal end 28 d of the compressionmember 28, formed on the connecting portion 30 c of the compressionmember 28. The cutting member can have a sharp or serrated edgeconfigured to transect the tissue. In an exemplary embodiment, thecutting member can be recessed relative to distal ends of upper andlower flanges 30 a, 30 b of the I-beam compression member 28 so thatcompression occurs prior to transecting or cutting of the tissue. Aswill be appreciated by a person skilled in the art, in anotherembodiment the cutting member can be a knife blade that is not attachedto a compression member such that the cutting member can advance andretract relative to the jaws without applying compression to the tissue.

Referring back to FIG. 1A, the surgical device 100 can have a closureactuator, i.e., closure grip 22 that can be configured to open and closethe jaws 16 a, 16 b of the end effector 14. Manipulation of the closuregrip 22 can pivot or otherwise move the jaws relative to one anothersuch that the jaws can engage tissue, move anatomical structures, orperform other surgical functions. The closure grip 22 can be moveabletoward and away from stationary grip 20, such as via pivoting. Inparticular, the closure grip 22 can have a first position in which it isangularly offset from the stationary grip 20 and the jaws 16 a, 16 b ofthe end effector 14 are open. The closure grip 22 can have a secondposition where it is positioned adjacent to or substantially in contactwith the stationary grip 20 and the jaws 16 a, 16 b of the end effector14 can engage tissue and apply a force to tissue disposed therebetween.The closure grip 22 can be biased to the first open position with thejaws 16 a, 16 b of the end effector 14 being open, as shown in FIG. 1.The closure grip 22 can move the jaws 16 a, 16 b between the open andclosed positions using manual or powered components. For example, inmanually actuated embodiments, the closure grip 22 can be coupled to agear that interacts with a rack extending through the handle and manualmovement of the closure grip 22 toward the stationary grip 20 can movethe rack distally toward the end effector 14, causing a closure rodextending through the shaft to exert a force onto the jaws 16 a, 16 b toclose the jaws 16 a, 16 b. In powered embodiments, a motor can bedisposed in the proximal handle portion 10 and manual movement of theclosure grip 22 can cause a control signal to be sent to the motor,which drives a closure rod to cause the jaws 16 a, 16 b to close. Theclosure grip 22 can interact with one or more locking features (notshown) configured to lock the closure grip 22 relative to the stationarygrip 20. For example, the locking feature can automatically engage whenthe closure grip 22 substantially contacts the stationary grip 20 or thelocking feature can automatically engage at each position the closuregrip 22 is pivoted through, such as via ratcheting.

In certain aspects, the surgical device can have a second, firingactuator that can be separate from a first, closure actuator. The firingactuator can be configured to advance a cutting member, apply energy totissue, or both. The firing actuator can have various sizes, shapes, andconfigurations but in illustrated embodiment, firing actuator 24includes a button or switch that can be depressed by a user. In anotherembodiment, the firing actuator 24 can include a trigger, switch, etc.that can be pivoted or otherwise moved relative to the proximal handleportion 10 by a user. Depressing or pivoting the firing actuator 24 cancause the cutting member to advance toward the effector 14. For example,depressing or pivoting the firing actuator can cause the compressionmember and/or the cutting member to advance distally and/or retractproximally relative to the jaws 16 a, 16 b. In powered embodiments, thefiring actuator 24 can be in electrical communication with a motor (notshown) disposed in the proximal handle portion 10. The motor can beoperatively coupled to the compression member 28 using known components,such as a gear and rack. In these embodiments, activation of the motorcan thus advance and/or retract the compression member 28 relative tothe jaws 16 a, 16 b. The firing actuator 24 can also be used to performother functions, such as to activate the delivery of energy to theopposed jaws, and/or cause one or more clips or staples to be deliveredinto the tissue.

Where the surgical device 100 is configured to apply energy to tissue,the surgical device 100 can include a generator (not shown) that can beoperatively coupled to the firing actuator 24. The generator can be anysuitable generator known in the art, such as an RF generator. Thegenerator can be a separate unit that is electrically connected to thesurgical device 100 to decrease a weight and size profile of the device100. A bore of the shaft portion 12 can carry electrical leads or wiresthat can deliver electrical energy to components of the end effector 14.As will be appreciated by persons skilled in the art, the surgicaldevices described below can also be configured to apply energy to tissueand can include any of the components described above, such as agenerator and a compression member.

FIGS. 2A-2C illustrate an embodiment of the handle portion of thesurgical device of FIG. 1A, modified to prevent premature actuation ofthe firing actuator. As shown in FIG. 2A, the device 200 includes aclosure grip 222 that is configured to move toward and away from astationary grip 220. The closure grip 222 can have a contoured shape forgrasping by a user. In the illustrated embodiment, the closure grip 222has a body with first and second arms 222 a, 222 b extending therefrom.As shown, the first and second arms 222 a, 222 b define a substantiallyU-shaped recess 222 c for grasping by a user. The device 200 furtherincludes a firing actuator 224 that is positioned adjacent to a bottomsurface 210 b of the proximal handle portion 210 and within a recessformed in a distal-facing surface of the first arm 222 a of the closureactuator. The firing actuator 224 can have a variety of sizes, shapes,and configurations, but in the illustrated embodiment it has asubstantially rectangular cross-sectional shape that includes adistal-facing surface that can be contacted by one or more of a user'sfinger. The stationary grip 220 can have a cavity 226 formed thereinthat is configured to receive a proximal portion of the closure grip 222as the closure grip 222 is moved toward the stationary grip 220. Thesurgical device 200 can have a first position in which the end effector(not shown) is in an open configuration with the jaws spaced apart. Whenthe device 200 is in the first position, as shown in FIGS. 2A and 2B,the firing actuator 224 can be positioned substantially inside of therecess in the closure grip 222 such that the firing actuator 224 isinaccessible and cannot be actuated by a user. With the device 200 sopositioned, the closure grip 222 can be spaced a distance apart from thestationary grip 220. The surgical device 200 can have a second positionin which the end effector (not shown) is in a closed configuration withthe jaws substantially opposed and configured to grasp tissuetherebetween. When the device 200 is in this closed position, as shownin FIG. 2C, the proximal portion of the closure grip 222 can bepositioned in the cavity 226 of the stationary grip 220 and the secondarm 222 b of the closure grip 222 can directly contact and be positionedadjacent to the stationary grip 220. The firing actuator 224 can remainsubstantially stationary as the closure grip 222 moves proximally fromthe first position to the second position. As a result, this movementwill cause the firing actuator 224 to extend out of the recess in theclosure grip 222 and be in an accessible position when the closure grip222 is adjacent to the stationary grip 220, as shown in FIG. 2C. Thedevice can include one or more mechanisms (not shown) configured to movethe firing actuator 224 back into the recess in the closure grip 222after a user engages and actuates the firing actuator 224 so that thefiring actuator 224 is inaccessible to a user.

FIGS. 3-7 illustrate additional embodiments of a device in which thefiring actuator is inaccessible when the jaws are in an open position.In these embodiments, the device has a scissor-style handle, however,the mechanisms for rendering the firing actuator inaccessible can beused with other handle styles. In general, the scissor-style deviceshave first and second elongate members. A proximal end of a firstelongate member can form the stationary grip and a proximal end of thesecond elongate member can form the closure grip, while distal ends ofeach of the first and second elongate members can define the jaws.Referring first to FIG. 3A, the device 300 includes a stationary grip320, a closure grip 322, and an end effector 314. The stationary grip320 and the closure grip 322 can be pivotably coupled together at apivot point 330. Thus, while grip 320 is referred to as a “stationary”grip, a person skilled in the art will appreciate that one and/or bothgrips can move relative to one another. As shown in FIG. 3A, the pivotpoint 330 can be positioned toward the jaws 316 a, 316 b such that anaxial length of the first and second jaws 316 a, 316 b can be betweenabout 20 to 30% of an axial length of the closure grip 322 and of thestationary grip 320, the axial length being measured along alongitudinal axis thereof. The closure grip 322 can have a terminaldistal end that is a jaw 316 b and the stationary grip 320 can have aterminal end that forms a first jaw 316 a. A first terminal end of theclosure grip 322 can define the first jaw 316 b while a second terminalend of the closure grip 322 can include an actuation surface or openingconfigured to be grasped by a user, such as a closure finger hole 322 pthat can receive a user's thumb. Similarly, a first terminal end of thestationary grip 320 defines a second jaw 316 a and a second terminal endof the stationary grip 320 also includes an opening configured to begrasped by a user, e.g. a stationary finger hole 320 p that can receiveone or more of a user's fingers.

The device 300 can further include a firing actuator 324 mounted on thestationary grip 320 for actuating the cutting mechanism relative to thejaws 316 a, 316 b. As in the previous embodiments, the firing actuatorcan be configured to advance and retract a cutting member toward andaway from the jaws. As shown, the firing actuator 324 can include aslider 332 coupled to the stationary grip 320. The slider 332 can beshaped as a plate that can slide proximally and distally relative to thestationary grip 320 to actuate a cutting member. The slider 332 can havea ring-shaped opening 334 formed in a distal end 332 d thereof that canreceive one or more of a user's fingers therethrough. The ring-shapedopening 334 has a substantially circular shape, but a person skilled inthe art will appreciate that the ring-shaped opening 334 can have anelliptical, square, rectangular, or any other shape that can receive oneor more of a user's fingers therethrough. The slider 332 can optionallybe coupled to a biasing spring 336 that biases the slider 332 distallyrelative to the stationary grip 320. For example, the biasing spring 336can be located in a proximal portion of the stationary grip 320 and canhave proximal and distal ends 336 p, 336 d, the distal end 336 d of thebiasing spring 336 being coupled to a proximal end 332 p of the slider332 and biasing the slider 332 distally.

As further shown in FIGS. 3A and 3B, the device 300 can include ablocking arm 328 that extends across the ring-shaped opening 334 of thefiring actuator 324 so that the firing actuator 324 is inaccessible to auser. While only a single blocking arm 328 is illustrated, a personskilled in the art will appreciate that a second, identical blocking armcan be disposed on an opposite side of the device (not shown). In thisconfiguration, the blocking arms can obstruct both sides of thering-shaped opening 334 so that it is inaccessible to a user when thedevice 300 is in an open position, i.e., when, the closure grip 322 isspaced a distance apart from the stationary grip 320 and the jaws are inthe open position. The blocking arm can have a variety of sizes, shapes,and configurations. In general, the blocking arm 328 has a first portion328 a configured to interact with the second terminal end of the linkageand a second portion 328 b configured to extend across the ring-shapedopening 334 of the firing actuator 324. The first portion 328 a of theblocking arm 328 can have an elongate shape and a length that is smallerthan a length of the second portion 328 b. The first portion 328 a ofthe blocking arm can be substantially perpendicular to the secondportion 328 b and the blocking arm can include a bore (not shown) formedtherein between the first portion 328 a and the second portion 328 b.The bore can receive a pin (not shown) therein for pivotably couplingthe blocking arm to the stationary grip at a pivot point 346. The secondportion 328 b of the blocking arm 328 can be curved and can have aradius of curvature substantially equal to a radius of curvature of thering-shaped opening 334 so that the blocking arm 328 can be positionedalong an outer circumference of the ring-shaped opening 334, as shown inFIG. 3B.

The device 300 can further include an elongate linkage 338 that extendsbetween the closure grip 322 and the stationary grip 320 and facilitatesmovement of the closure grip relative to the stationary grip 320. Morespecifically, the elongate linkage 338 can extend between the slider 332and the closure grip 322 and can have first and second terminal ends 338a, 338 b, the first terminal end 338 a being coupled to the closure grip322 at a pivot point 340 that is proximal to the pivot point 330, andthe second terminal end 338 b being slidably coupled to the stationarygrip 320. The second terminal end 338 b of the elongate linkage 338 caninclude a pin 342 that extends through a slot 344 formed in thestationary grip 320, the pin 342 being configured to slide along alength of the slot 344. The slot 344 can have a generally elongate shapeand a longitudinal axis of the slot L_(S) can be angularly offset from alongitudinal axis of the stationary grip L_(SG), as shown in FIG. 3B. Anaxial length (not shown) of the slot 344 and an axial length A_(L) ofthe elongate linkage 338 can be selected so that the elongate linkagedoes not interfere with and prevent the device from having a closedposition in which the closure grip 322 is positioned adjacent to thestationary grip 320, as shown in FIG. 3B.

A relative positioning of the pivot point 346, the blocking arm 328, theslot 344, and the elongate linkage 338 can affect movement of theblocking arm 328 relative to the ring-shaped opening 334. When thedevice 300 is in the first open position, the pivot point 346 can bepositioned adjacent to or alternatively, directly in contact with thesecond terminal end 338 b of the elongate linkage 338, as shown in FIG.3A. As the closure grip 322 is moved toward the stationary grip 320, thepin on the second terminal end 338 b of the elongate linkage 338 canmove within the slot 344 in a generally proximal direction and cancontact the first portion 328 a of the blocking arm 328 and pivot thefirst portion 328 a proximally about the pivot point 346. This can causethe second portion 328 b of the blocking arm 328 to pivot distally in acounter-clockwise direction, moving the second portion 328 b toward theouter circumference of the ring-shaped opening 334 until the device 300is in the closed position of FIG. 3B. When the device 300 is sopositioned, the second portion 328 b of the blocking arm 328 can extendalong the outer circumference of the ring-shaped opening 334 so that thering-shaped opening 334 is substantially unobstructed and a user caninsert one or more fingers therethrough, as shown in FIG. 3B. After auser engages and actuates the firing actuator 324, a biasing force canautomatically move the closure grip 322 away from the stationary grip320 and open the first and second jaws 316 a, 316 b. The pin on thesecond terminal end 338 b of the elongate linkage 338 can then move awayfrom the blocking arm 328, within the slot 344, and the second portion328 b of the blocking arm 328 can automatically pivot back into theposition shown in FIG. 3A in which the firing actuator 324 isinaccessible to a user.

FIGS. 4A and 4B illustrate another embodiment of a surgical device 400having a blocking shield 428 configured to cover a firing actuator 424.While a single blocking shield 428 is illustrated, a person skilled inthe art will appreciate that a second, identical blocking shield can bedisposed on an opposite side of the device (not shown) so that bothsides of the firing actuator can be obstructed and inaccessible to auser. The blocking shield can have various sizes, shapes, andconfigurations. In the illustrated embodiment, the blocking shield 428has a substantially triangular cross-sectional shape taken along alongitudinal axis of the device 400. The blocking shield 428 can have arelatively small thickness (not shown) measured in a directionperpendicular to a longitudinal axis of the stationary grip 420. Theblocking shield 428 can have various sizes and shapes selected so thatwhen the device 400 is in the open position, the blocking shield 428 cancover a ring-shaped opening 434 of the firing actuator 424, thus makingit inaccessible to a user. In the illustrated embodiment, a distal end428 d of the blocking shield 428 can be pivotably coupled to thestationary grip 420 at a pivot point 456. As shown, the blocking shield428 can be coupled to a gear 450 such that the blocking shield 428 andthe gear 450 can rotate as a unit. The gear 450 can have variousconfigurations, but it is preferably a pinion having teeth 452 formed onan outer circumference thereof. As in the previous embodiment, thedevice 400 can include an elongate linkage 438 having a first terminalend 438 a coupled to the closure grip 422. As shown in FIGS. 4A and 4B,the linkage 438 can have a curved shape and a proximal-facing surfacecan have teeth 454 formed thereon that can mate with the teeth 452formed on the pinion gear 450. When the device 400 is in the firstposition, the teeth 454 of the linkage 438 can be in contact with theteeth 452 of the pinion 450. As the closure grip 422 is moved toward thestationary grip 420, the linkage 438 can move along an arc-shaped pathtoward the stationary grip 420, and this can cause the pinion 450 torotate, as shown in FIG. 4B. Because the pinion 450 and the blockingshield 428 move as a unit, rotation of the pinion 450 causes theblocking shield 428 to pivot about the pivot point 456, thereby exposingthe ring-shaped opening 434 of the firing actuator 424 and allowing auser to access it. When the device 400 is in this position, the blockingshield 428 is preferably positioned away from the ring-shaped opening434 of the firing 424 actuator. The firing actuator 424 is thussubstantially unobstructed so that a user can insert one or more fingersthrough the ring-shaped opening 434 of the firing actuator 424. After auser engages and actuates the firing actuator 424, a biasing force canautomatically move the closure grip 422 away from the stationary grip420 and open the first and second jaws 416 a, 416 b. This can also causethe blocking shield(s) to pivot into the position shown in FIG. 4A inwhich the firing actuator 424 is inaccessible to a user.

FIG. 5 illustrates another embodiment of a surgical device 500 having ablocking shield 528 configured to cover a firing actuator 524. Whileonly a single blocking shield 528 is illustrated, a person skilled inthe art will appreciate that a second, identical blocking arm can bedisposed on an opposite side of the device (not shown) so that bothsides of the firing actuator can be obstructed and made inaccessible toa user. In this embodiment, the blocking shield 528 has a substantiallyrectangular cross-sectional shape, the cross-section being taken alongthe longitudinal axis L_(SG) of the stationary grip 520. As shown, theblocking shield 528 can be configured to move proximally and distallyalong the longitudinal axis L_(SG) of the stationary grip 520 via anelongate linkage 538. The elongate linkage 538 can extend between theblocking shield 528 and the closure grip 522, as shown. Morespecifically, a first terminal end 538 a of the elongate linkage 538 canbe coupled to the closure grip 522 and a second terminal end 538 b ofthe elongate linkage 538 can be coupled to a proximal end 528 p of theblocking shield 528. Preferably, the second terminal end 538 b of theelongate linkage 538 is positioned below a mid-point 528 m of theblocking shield 528 so that the elongate linkage does not obstruct thefiring actuator 524 when the blocking shield 528 is positioned proximalor distal to the firing actuator 524. The elongate linkage 538 can havea bend 540 formed therein defining a first portion 542 and a secondportion 544. When the device 500 is in the first position, the firstportion 542 of the linkage 538 can be positioned substantiallyperpendicular to the longitudinal axis L_(SG) of the stationary grip520, while the second portion 544 of the linkage 538 can be positionedat an angle relative to the longitudinal axis L_(SG). A proximal end ofthe firing actuator 524 can be coupled to the biasing spring 536 thatbiases the firing actuator 524 distally in the position of FIG. 5. Inuse, movement of the closure grip 522 toward the stationary grip 520 canmove the second terminal end 538 b of the linkage 538 distally along thelongitudinal axis L_(SG) of the stationary grip 520. When the closuregrip 522 and the stationary grip 520 are substantially opposed and thejaws 516 a, 516 b are in the closed position, the proximal end 528 p ofthe blocking shield 528 can be positioned distal to the firing actuator524 such that the firing actuator 524 is accessible to a user and a usercan position one or more fingers therethrough. As in the previousembodiments, after a user engages and actuates the firing actuator 524,a biasing force can automatically move the closure grip 522 away fromthe stationary grip 520 and open the first and second jaws 516 a, 516 b.This can cause the blocking shield(s) to move proximally to the positionshown in FIG. 5 in which the firing actuator 524 is inaccessible to auser. As will be appreciated by a person skilled in the art, theelongate linkage can include first and second linkages joined togetherby a pin, weld, or any other coupling mechanism known in the art.

FIGS. 6A and 6B illustrate another embodiment of a surgical device 600having lockout mechanisms configured to prevent premature actuation of acutting member. In this embodiment, the device 600 includes a pivotablearm 660 having a ring-shaped member 634 integrally formed thereon in aunitary structure, the ring-shaped member 634 including a finger hole664. In other embodiments, the pivotable arm 660 can be coupled to thering-shaped member 634 in other ways and need not be integrally formedand have a unitary structure. The finger hole 664 of the ring-shapedmember 634 can have a substantially circular shape and can be configuredto receive one or more of a user's fingers therethrough. The ring-shapedmember 634 of the firing actuator 624 can further include a protrusion662 formed along an outer circumference thereof that is configured tointeract with the closure grip 622, as will be described in greaterdetail below. A proximal end (not shown) of the pivotable arm 660 can becoupled to a torsion spring 666 disposed in the stationary grip 620. Thetorsion spring 666 can apply a biasing force that biases the pivotablearm 660 and the ring-shaped member 634 to the position shown in FIG. 6Ain which the pivotable arm 660 and ring-shaped member 634 are disposedaway from the stationary grip 620 and the jaws are open. The stationarygrip 620 can include a recess 668 formed therein for receiving thering-shaped member 634 of the firing actuator 624 therein and sized sothat the firing actuator 624 can move proximally and distally within therecess 668. For example, the recess 668 can have a substantiallyelliptical shape, but can be shaped in other ways. As shown in FIG. 6A,the device can have a first position in which jaws 616 a, 616 b are inan open position and the closure grip 622 is positioned at a distanceapart from the stationary grip 620. In this first position, thering-shaped member 634 of the firing actuator 624 is displaced from therecess in the closure grip 622 via the pivotable arm 660 and isinaccessible to a user. At the same time, the protrusion 662 on thering-shaped member 634 can be positioned between a bottom surface of theclosure grip 622 and a top surface of the stationary grip 620. As theclosure grip 622 is moved toward the stationary grip 620, a portion ofthe closure grip 622 can directly contact the protrusion 662 and pushthe ring-shaped member 634 of the firing actuator 624 toward the recess668 in the stationary grip 620 until the firing actuator 624 is disposedtherein, as shown in FIG. 6B. With the firing actuator 624 sopositioned, a user can access the ring-shaped member 634 of the firingactuator 624 and pull it proximally to advance a cutting member (notshown) toward the jaws 616 a, 616 b to cut tissue grasped by the jaws616 a, 616 b. After a user engages and actuates the firing actuator 624,the torsion spring 666 can apply a biasing force to automatically movethe closure grip 622 away from the stationary grip 620 and open thefirst and second jaws 616 a, 616 b. This can also cause the ring-shapedmember 634 of the firing actuator 624 to move to the position shown inFIG. 6A in which the firing actuator 624 is inaccessible to a user.

FIG. 7 illustrates another embodiment of a surgical device 700. In thisembodiment, the device 700 includes a firing actuator 724 that can besubstantially hidden inside of a channel 770 formed in the stationarygrip 720 when the device 700 is in the first position so that the firingactuator 724 is inaccessible. As shown, the channel 770 can be sized andshaped to extend across a width of the stationary grip 720, the widthbeing measured in a direction perpendicular to a longitudinal axis ofthe stationary grip 720. The channel 770 can optionally include an armor door (not shown) positioned at a lower surface thereof to contain thefiring actuator 724 inside of the channel when the device 700 is in thefirst position. The channel 770 in the stationary grip 720 can receive abase plate 772 therein that can be configured to slide in a directionthat is substantially perpendicular to a longitudinal axis of thestationary grip 720. The firing actuator 724 can be pivotably coupled tothe base plate 772 at a pivot point 774. Thus, movement of the baseplate 772 can also move the firing actuator 724 relative to thestationary grip 720, as shown. The firing actuator 724 can include atrigger 776 having a first, curved portion 778 configured to be graspedby a user and a second, elongate portion 780 having a mating feature 782formed on its terminal end. The pivot point 774 coupling the base plate772 to the trigger 776 can be positioned between the first and secondportions 778, 780 of the trigger 776. The device 700 can further includea slider 732 positioned in the closure grip 722 that is coupled to aproximal end 730 p of a cutting member 730 and that can be configured tomove proximally and distally along a longitudinal axis of the closuregrip 722 to advance and retract the cutting member 730. The slider 732can have a mating recess 784 formed therein for receiving the matingfeature 782 of the trigger 776 as the closure grip 722 is moved towardthe stationary grip 720. With the trigger 776 so positioned, pivotablemovement of the trigger 776 in a proximal direction can move the slider732 and thus the cutting member 730 distally toward jaws 716 a, 716 band then proximally to its original position. After a user engages andactuates the firing actuator 724, a biasing force can automatically movethe closure grip 722 away from the stationary grip 720 and open thefirst and second jaws 716 a, 716 b. This can also cause the base plate772 and the firing trigger 776 of the firing actuator 724 to move to theposition shown in FIG. 7 in which the firing trigger 776 is inaccessibleto a user. A person skilled in the art will appreciate that the devicecan vary in any number of ways. For example, in the illustratedembodiment, the mating feature 782 has a substantially spherical shape,but the mating feature 782 can be shaped in other ways and can allow themating feature 782 to press fit or otherwise releasably mate with themating recess 784 formed in the slider 732.

As will be appreciated by a person skilled in the art, the surgicaldevices provided herein can be used to perform conventionalminimally-invasive and open surgical procedures and can be used inrobotic-assisted surgery. A method for cutting tissue is described belowand reference is made to the devices of FIGS. 2-7 in turn below.

In use, the surgical device 200 can be inserted in a patient in thesecond, closed position with jaws (not shown) of the end effector (notshown) closed so as to minimize a size profile of the device 200 duringinsertion. A user can move the surgical device 200 to the first openposition in which the end effector is in an open configuration with thejaws spaced apart and the closure grip 222 spaced a distance apart fromthe stationary grip 220. When the device 200 is in the first position,as shown in FIGS. 2A and 2B, the firing actuator 224 can be positionedsubstantially inside of the closure grip 222 such that the firingactuator 224 cannot be actuated by a user. When the jaws of the endeffector are positioned adjacent to tissue to be treated, the surgicaldevice 200 can be moved to the second position in which the end effectoris in a closed configuration with the jaws substantially opposed andgrasping the tissue therebetween. When the device 200 is in the closedposition, as shown in FIG. 2C, a proximal portion of the closure grip222 can be positioned in the recess of the stationary grip 220 and thesecond arm of the closure grip 222 can directly contact and bepositioned adjacent to the stationary grip 220. As the closure grip 222is moved proximally from the first position to the second position, thefiring actuator 224 can remain stationary. As a result, when the closuregrip 222 is adjacent to the stationary grip 220, as in FIG. 2C, thefiring actuator 224 can extend out of the recess of the closure grip 222and be in the accessible position. A user can move the firing actuator224 toward the closure grip 222 to advance the cutting member (notshown) toward the jaws to cut tissue disposed therebetween, apply RFenergy to the tissue, and/or apply staples or clips to the tissue. Aftera user has actuated the firing actuator 224, the firing actuator 224 canbe locked inside of the recess in the closure grip 222 in theinaccessible position and the closure grip 222 can automatically moveaway from the stationary grip 220. This can also cause the jaws to opento release the tissue until the device 200 is in the initial position ofFIG. 2A. A person skilled in the art will appreciate that the closing,firing, and releasing steps can be repeated any number of times.

The devices of FIGS. 3-6 can be used to cut tissue in similar ways.While reference is made to the reference numerals in FIG. 3, a personskilled in the art will appreciate that the surgical procedure can beperformed using any of the other devices herein. In use, the surgicaldevice 300 can be inserted in a patient in a second, closed positionwith jaws 316 a, 316 b of the end effector 314 closed and the closuregrip 322 positioned substantially adjacent to the stationary grip 320 soas to minimize a size profile of the device 300 during insertion. Whenthe end effector 314 is positioned in a patient's body, a user can applya spreading force to the finger holes 322 p, 320 p of the closure grip322 and of the stationary grip 320 to move the closure grip away 322from the stationary grip 320, opening the first and second jaws 316 a,316 b. With the jaws 316 a, 316 b so positioned, the firing actuator 324of the device 300 can be inaccessible to a user to prevent a user fromprematurely actuating it. When the first and second jaws 316 a, 316 bare positioned adjacent to tissue to be treated, a user can apply aninwardly directed force to the finger holes 320 p, 322 p of the closuregrip 322 and of the stationary grip 320 to cause the jaws 316 a, 316 bto close and grasp the tissue therebetween. As this force is applied,the blocking arm 328 or blocking shield 428, 528 in FIGS. 3-5 can pivotor slide relative to the jaws 316 a, 316 b to begin exposing a firingactuator to a user. When the closure grip 322 is substantially adjacentto the stationary grip 320 and the jaws 316 a, 316 b of the end effector314 are closed, the firing actuator 324 can be in an accessible positionwith the blocking shields/arms no longer obstructing a user's access tothe firing actuator 324. A user can move the ring-shaped opening 334 andthe slider 332 proximally to actuate a cutting member (not shown) andadvance the cutting member toward the jaws 316 a, 316 b to cut tissuedisposed therebetween, apply RF energy to the tissue, and/or applystaples or clips to the tissue. After a user has actuated the firingactuator, the closure grip can automatically move away from thestationary grip. This can cause the jaws to open and release the tissue.Additionally, the blocking arms/shields can automatically move intotheir initial position in which the firing actuator is inaccessible to auser. A person skilled in the art will appreciate that the closing,firing, and releasing steps can be repeated any number of times.

The device 600 of FIGS. 6A and 6B can be used to perform a surgicalprocedure in similar ways. When the device 600 is in the open positionas in FIG. 6A, an inwardly directed force is applied to the device 600,the closure grip 622 can contact the protrusion 662 and exert a force onthe firing actuator 624 that is greater than the biasing force appliedby the torsion spring 666, causing the pivotable arm 660 and thering-shaped member 634 to move toward the recess 668 of the stationarygrip 620. When the closure grip 622 is substantially adjacent to thestationary grip 620 and the jaws 616 a, 616 b are closed, the firingactuator 624 can be in an accessible position with the ring-shapedmember 634 disposed in the recess 668. A user can pull the ring-shapedmember 634 proximally to advance a cutting member (not shown) toward thejaws 616 a, 616 b and cut tissue disposed therebetween, apply RF energyto the tissue, and/or apply staples or clips to the tissue. After a userhas actuated the firing actuator 624, the closure grip 622 canautomatically move away from the stationary grip 620. This can cause thejaws 616 a, 616 b to open and release the tissue. Additionally, thetorsion spring 666 can move the ring-shaped member 634 to its initialposition in which it is pivoted away from the stationary grip 620 andinaccessible to a user. A person skilled in the art will appreciate thatthe closing, firing, and releasing steps can be repeated any number oftimes.

The device of FIG. 7 can be used to cut tissue in a substantiallysimilar way. When the device 700 is in the open position as in FIG. 7,as the inwardly directed force is applied to move the closure grip 722toward the stationary grip 720, the mating feature 782 on the trigger776 can directly contact the mating recess 784 formed on the slider 732.As the closure grip 722 moves toward the stationary grip 720, the baseplate 772 can move in the same direction as the closure grip 722 andthis can begin to expose the trigger 776 to a user. When the closuregrip 722 is positioned adjacent to the stationary grip 720, the firstportion 778 of the trigger 776 can be in the accessible position. Theuser can grasp the first portion 778 with one or more fingers and canpivot it proximally about the pivot point 774, thereby moving the slider732 and the cutting member 730 distally toward the jaws 716 a, 716 b tocut tissue disposed between the jaws, apply RF energy to the tissue,and/or apply staples or clips to the tissue. After a user has actuatedthe firing trigger 776, the closure grip 722 can automatically move awayfrom the stationary grip 720. This can cause the jaws 716 a, 716 b toopen and release the tissue. This can also cause the base plate 772 andthe firing trigger 776 of the firing actuator 724 to move to theposition shown in FIG. 7 in which the firing trigger 776 is inaccessibleto a user. A person skilled in the art will appreciate that the closing,firing, and releasing steps can be repeated any number of times.

Any of the above-mentioned surgical methods can include applying energy,such as RF energy, to tissue grasped by the jaws either prior to,during, or after cutting of the tissue. In certain aspects, the devicescan be operated to “cold-cut” the tissue and need not apply energy tothe tissue.

The devices disclosed herein can also be designed to be disposed ofafter a single use, or they can be designed to be used multiple times.In either case, however, the device can be reconditioned for reuse afterat least one use. Reconditioning can include any combination of thesteps of disassembly of the device, followed by cleaning or replacementof particular pieces and subsequent reassembly. In particular, thedevice can be disassembled, and any number of the particular pieces orparts of the device can be selectively replaced or removed in anycombination. Upon cleaning and/or replacement of particular parts, thedevice can be reassembled for subsequent use either at a reconditioningfacility, or by a surgical team immediately prior to a surgicalprocedure. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that reconditioningof a device can utilize a variety of techniques for disassembly,cleaning/replacement, and reassembly. Use of such techniques, and theresulting reconditioned device, are all within the scope of the presentapplication.

One skilled in the art will appreciate further features and advantagesof the invention based on the above-described embodiments. Accordingly,the invention is not to be limited by what has been particularly shownand described, except as indicated by the appended claims. Allpublications and references cited herein are expressly incorporatedherein by reference in their entirety.

What is claimed is:
 1. A surgical device, comprising: an end effectorhaving first and second jaws configured to move relative to one anotherbetween an open position in which the first and second jaws are spaced adistance apart from one another and a closed position in which the firstand second jaws are configured to grasp tissue therebetween; and ahandle portion having a first actuator operatively associated with thefirst and second jaws and movable between a first position and a secondposition, movement of the first actuator from the first position to thesecond position being effective to move the first and second jaws fromthe open position to the closed position, and a second actuatorconfigured to advance a cutting element distally along the first andsecond jaws to cut the tissue grasped therebetween, the second actuatorhaving an opening configured to receive a user's finger; and at leastone blocking member configured to move relative to the second actuator,movement of the first actuator from the first position to the secondposition being effective to move the at least one blocking member froman obstruction position in which the at least one blocking memberobstructs the opening of the second actuator so that a user is hinderedfrom actuating the second actuator, to a firing position in which the atleast one blocking member is displaced away from the opening of thesecond actuator.
 2. The surgical device of claim 1, wherein the at leastone blocking member comprises first and second blocking members, thefirst blocking member configured to be positioned on a first side of thesecond actuator and the second blocking member configured to bepositioned on a second side of the second actuator.
 3. The surgicaldevice of claim 1, wherein the at least one blocking member comprises ablocking shield configured to substantially cover the opening of thesecond actuator.
 4. The surgical device of claim 1, wherein the at leastone blocking member comprises a blocking arm configured to partiallycover the opening of the second actuator.
 5. The surgical device ofclaim 1, wherein the opening of the second actuator is configured to beexposed, in response to movement of the first actuator from the firstposition to the second position, such that the second actuator can beactuated to advance the cutting element.
 6. The surgical device of claim1, wherein the second actuator is configured to deliver energy to thetissue engaged between the first and second jaws as the cutting elementis advanced distally along the first and second jaws.
 7. A surgicaldevice configured to grasp and cut tissue, comprising: an end effectorincluding first and second jaws configured to move relative to oneanother between an open position in which the first and second jaws arespaced apart and a closed position in which the first and second jawsare configured to engage the tissue therebetween; and a handle assemblycoupled to the end effector with the end effector being located distalof the handle assembly, the handle assembly having: a closure actuatorconfigured to move the jaws between the open and closed positions, afiring actuator configured to advance a cutting member distally alongthe jaws to cut tissue engaged between the first and second jaws, and ablocking member configured to extend longitudinally across a fingerrecess of the firing actuator from a distal end of the finger recess toa proximal end of the finger recess when the first and second jaws arein the open position to thereby hinder a user from accessing the firingactuator, the distal end of the finger recess being more proximate tothe end effector than the proximal end of the finger recess.
 8. Thesurgical device of claim 7, wherein the blocking member is configured tomove away from the finger recess when the first and second jaws aremoved to the closed position.
 9. The surgical device of claim 7, whereinthe closure actuator comprises a first handle member of the handleassembly, and the firing actuator is mounted on a second handle memberof the handle assembly, the first and second handle members beingpivotally coupled to one another.
 10. The surgical device of claim 9,wherein the blocking member is pivotally mounted on the second handlemember.
 11. The surgical device of claim 9, wherein the blocking memberis linearly slidably mounted on the second handle member.
 12. Thesurgical device of claim 11, further comprising a linkage member coupledbetween the blocking member and the first actuator, the linkage memberbeing configured to exert a distally directed force on the blockingmember when the closure actuator is actuated to move the first andsecond jaws from the open position to the closed position.
 13. Thesurgical device of claim 12, further comprising a linkage member coupledbetween the closure actuator and the blocking member, the linkage memberbeing configured to move the blocking member away from the finger recesswhen the first and second jaws are moved to the closed position.
 14. Amethod for actuating a surgical device, comprising: moving a closureactuator on a surgical device from a first position to a second positionto cause first and second jaws of the surgical device to move from anopen configuration in which the first and second jaws are spaced apartto a closed configuration in which the first and second jaws grasptissue therebetween, wherein moving the closure actuator from the firstposition to the second position moves a blocking member from a firstposition, in which the blocking member extends across a finger recess ofa firing actuator such that the finger recess is inaccessible to a user,to a second position, in which the blocking member is moved away fromthe finger recess such that the firing actuator is accessible to theuser; and with the first and second jaws in the closed position, movingthe firing actuator on the surgical device to advance a cutting assemblyalong the first and second jaws to thereby cut the tissue graspedtherebetween.
 15. The method of claim 14, wherein the blocking memberpivots from the first position to the second position.
 16. The method ofclaim 14, wherein the blocking member slides longitudinally from thefirst position to the second position.
 17. The method of claim 14,further comprising applying REF energy to the tissue grasped between thefirst and second jaws.